Elementary students in North Carolina are not required to take social studies standardized tests. As a result, assumptions about social studies instruction have emerged. The assumptions represent perceptions or misperceptions about whether the subject is being taught, whether it is valued, and whether there are pressures to ignore social studies to focus on tested subjects. Data from a multi-university, longitudinal study examining the state of social studies in elementary grades are highlighted. Selected findings from the statewide research provide a framework for considering the assumptions. Recommendations suggest a team approach to advocating for the social studies.

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Tina L. Heafner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Middle, Secondary, and K-12 Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Contact info: theafner@uncc.edu

Amy J. Good is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at East Carolina University. Contact info: gooda@ecu.edu

Katherine A. O’Connor is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at East Carolina University. Contact info: oconnork@ecu.edu

Jeff Passe is Professor of Reading and Elementary Education at UNC-Charlotte. He served as NCSS President in 2005-2006.

Tracy Rock is an Associate Professor of Elementary Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 

Sandra P. Byrd is Assistant Provost for Graduate and Continuing Education and an associate professor of Education at the University of North Carolina Asheville. Contact info:    sbyrd@unca.edu

Sandra B. Oldendorf is an Associate Professor in Curriculum and Instruction at Appalachian State University. 

Eric Groce is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at Appalachian State University. Contact info: groceec@appstate.edu